Those who use an Advent Wreath in their homes and churches know that you light one candle on each Sunday in this season of preparation. During that first week, there is one candle lit, then two for the next week, three for third week, and then four during the last week of Advent until Christmas arrives and your light the Christ candle as well. The addition of lit candles is a visual reminder of the approaching celebration. The more candles lit, the closer you are to the big day.

There are various traditions associated with the wreath. One names the candles, in order, Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd’s and Angel’s.  But the more widely used tradition these days names the Candles Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

Some use three purple candles and one pink/rose colored one. Purple was the color associated with penitential seasons, which Advent was historically. The pink candle was a brief respite from the attitude of penitence, lit on the third Sunday in Advent, traditionally known as “Gaudete” which is Latin for joy.

Today is the Fourth Sunday in Advent. I was thinking about the significance of the Love Candle, and several songs came to mind: “Love Came Down at Christmas,” “Love Divine All Love Excelling,” “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” and “Jesus Loves Me.”  All good songs for you to reflect on this week.

But as I was thinking about all of this, these are the words that came to my mind:

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

The same one that was laid in a manger by His mother would lay down His life for us. He did so the pay for our sins, to keep us from being punished eternally for them, to give us instead the confidence of forgiveness and life eternal. That, indeed, is how we know what love is. And God help us to show that love to others.